Posts

I Just wanted to share with you the story of an amazing social media campaign that’s running currently, that have helped over 6000 people world wide so far. Many of you would have seen it popping up on your Facebook news feed I’m sure, it is of coarse The Black Dot Campaign. The purpose of this campaign is to recognise victims of domestic violence and abuse.

The campaign is very simple victims of domestic violence put a black dot on their palm. The black dot is a call for help and means that this person is in trouble and that they are in serious danger. It is mainly for those who can not seek help in any other way because their abuser is watching their every move. If you see a black dot on anybody’s palm please call the police immediately they need your help.

I want to share with you a victims testimony, I have removed her name out of respect for her privacy.

“I’m heavily pregnant and the baby’s father is very abusive. With words, his hands. I’ve been petrified for so long and even more with the baby coming soon. I was at the hospital yesterday, he was with me, he never leaves my side anymore. I had to have an examination so the consultant asked me to lie on the bed and drew the curtain. I learnt over and took the pen out of his pocket, pulled his hand over to me and wrote HELP ME. I didn’t have to say a word. This campaign gave me the strength and the idea how to ask for help. I am now safe somewhere else thanks to that consultant and the black dot campaign. Thank you, 1 week to go until my due date and I am finally safe.”

Thank you to everyone who has shared this campaign over Facebook and other social media platforms.

You guessed it I’m back and I’m ready to rumble, for those who have been wondering where I’ve been and yes there are a lot of you judging by the amount of emails I received from my loyal readers wondering where I am. I’m just going to take a very brief moment to share a personal story with you all before getting on to the main point of today’s post.

I took a break from posting as those who have followed me since the beginning may have realised and I really sorry for abandoning you but I have not been in a good place of lately and did not feel up to logging online. I had my grandfather suffer a very serious heart attack followed by a stroke that was caused by the heart attack. For a long time we did not know whether or not he would survive it and my mother and I took turns sleeping at the hospital so that somebody would always be there with him. He’s in recovery now and has left the hospital but he has had to be placed into an aged care facility(Nursing home) as the stroke has left him partially paralysed on his right side and he is unable to take care of himself.

I just want to send a huge shout out to the Staff at Royal Perth Hospital for taking care of him and saving his life and to everyone who is reading this please, please, if you get any of the symptoms of either a heart attack or stroke, go to a doctor as soon as possible, it may save you life. Both of these can strike at any age.

Now on to my main subject I want to give a huge shoutout to Emily Guido, author of the amazing Light Bearer series. I read her book Charmeine while I was waiting at the hospital for my grandfather t wake up. Honestly without her book I don’t know what I would have done. Her books helped keep me hopeful and sane through a really dark time in my life. if you haven’t read it yet do yourself a favor and buy it and read it. You won’t regret it I promise.

Okay so many of my followers from across the pond in America or even those from the Eastern States of Australia or wherever you are reading this from, may not know about the current situation with the Elizabeth Quay. So I’ll give you some background information on it.

The Elizabeth Quay is a development in he city of Perth that cost the state government $440 million however they expected to recover $134 million in property sales. This is money that the government can not afford to be spending. These are the facts. The mining boom is over people, we can’t continue to spend the mass amounts of money because it will soon be gone.

Right from the start the Elizabeth Quay was a disaster. It was over budget and was continually delayed. Those weren’t the only problems with the project. First of all the problems with the location. Riverside Drive (where this project is located) is one of the main roads in the city of Perth and closing it down for construction nearly collapsed the entire transportation system as none of the roads are big enough to accommodate for the thousands upon thousands of people who se Riverside Drive every single day. In addition to this all the local businesses that operated in the area lost millions of dollars in revenue and many went bankrupt because the construction cut of access to the shops for both Pedestrian and vehicle traffic. When they asked the government and the construction project for information on when they could reopen their businesses or eve if they were entitled to compensation for their losses they were rejected at every turn. Even though they were promised that any losses due to government construction would be compensated for the state government.

Similarly the project will cause more devastation to local businesses particularly during winter. Riverside Drive floods every single winter due to the water level of the river rising so the government decides to bring the river further into the city. How stupid can you be? What’s worse is that they were warned by the researchers and planners of the project that it would cause flooding and suggested that banking be added to prevent he flooding. This was denied and Barnet continued with the project anyway.

So despite the many problems and mass opposition to the project it was completed earlier this year. Now I could deal with the other problems largely because they were temporary problems that didn’t really cause much damage. However now there is a much larger issue. Included in this development is a free water playground for children and adults alike. It’s Australia in summer the average temperature is around 40 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Farinheight). It sounds like a great idea doesn’t it. It was until they opened it. There was bacteria found in the water which was causing red rashes and burns on the children that played in the water so it was closed. Then the government decides to reopen it telling people that the water is safe.

After a heat wave, the department expanded its testing regime to include bacterium found in warmer water, and which could cause eye, ear and nose infections.

Initial test results on February 14 showed the bacterium known as Pseudomonas aeruginosa was present only in surface water at the park, but results eight days later showed it had spread throughout the system, and was being sprayed on park users.

Health Minister Kim Hames concedes that public health was placed at risk.

“When that organism spread into the balance tank from the time of doing that testing on the 18th and closing on the 22nd, then yes, people were exposed to that Pseudomonas,” he said.

“So, there’s not a large risk but there is a risk, and we’ve had two people come forward to say they’re affected.”

Dr Hames was forced to correct earlier information he had provided to Parliament suggesting that Pseudomonas aeruginosa had not been found until test results were reviewed on February 22.

Department ‘acted reasonably’ dealing with threat

Despite the delay and the exposure of park users to the bacterium, Dr Hames insisted the Health Department acted responsibly and reasonably after the initial detection of the organism.

He said the department had applied routine procedures used for public pools across the state.

“The standard evidence before them was that pseudomonas should have been treated by the normal management of that pool system,” he said.

Given the initial detection was on the surface, and not in the so-called balance tanks used to feed the water sprays, Dr Hames said the department believed the normal cleaning process would solve the problem.

“It is absolutely reasonable for them to expect, as in most other cases around the state where pseudomonas is discovered, that those treatment systems were working,” he said.

According to the report, a new round of water samples were tested on February 18.

Four days later, they showed the bacterium had spread.

“These results were received on 22nd of February 2016 showed that pseudomonas was being detected throughout the system, and importantly in the balance tank where water would be returned for direct contract with patrons,” the report said.

“On advice from the Environmental Health Directorate about the results and the evidence that the system was unable to cope with the microbial loading, the Executive Director Public Health acted to close the facility immediately.”

Park to stay closed until filtration upgrade

Opposition Planning spokeswoman Rita Saffioti said it proved there were serious structural issues with the design and operation of the park.

“What happened is that the water cleaning system wasn’t strong enough,” she said.

Dr Hames said the park would remain closed until the filtering system had been upgraded to effectively cope with high numbers of people using the facility.

“The alternative is to restrict the numbers of people using the park to 150 but we don’t want to stop people who want to use the park, from being able to use it,” he said.

The Opposition also seized on another document tabled by the Minister indicating that water tests the day before the park was opened required “immediate public health action.”

Ms Saffioti said it showed the Government pushed ahead and rushed the opening despite health concerns.

Dr Hames rejected that criticism, and said the health action was taken by super-chlorinating the water overnight to make safe for opening day on January 29.

When they did reopen it on January 29 tragedy struck when a 5 year old little girl developed an infection in her eye from playing at the playground. The girl Chelsea Fawcett, was hospitalised and is partially blind. Doctors at PMH are working to try and restore her vision but it is not yet known whather they will be successful. A warning the image is quite graffic. Discretion is advised.

Her parents have decided to sue the State Government for the damage that they have done to this poor little girl and Slater and Gordon have taken the case.

Ironic isn’t it that a Law Firm has more integrity than the State Government. The park has since been closed but there are plans t reopen it.

It’s Nikki here and I wanted to share with you guys an idea that I had for a story. I’m not sure yet how long I want it to be it may just be a short story or I may end up turning it into a Novel if I think I can develop the story further. Ultimately I see this being a series of books either a continuation of the story or separate but interrelated stories about different characters. Please keep in mind that this is still just a rough idea so it’s subject to change.

My idea is about a girl who loses her father at a young age when he is killed in Iraq serving as a Marine. She shuts herself off from the rest of the world and turns to competitive martial arts as an outlet. The story will be about her journey both emotionally and as a fighter.

I’m still tossing around a few ideas for a title and I am in the process of refining the plot so any reasonable suggestions would be most helpful. Please leave a comment below with your thoughts on : the title, should it be one story or a collection of stories, and if you would be willing to read the story.

I appreciate each and every single comment and email that I receive so thank you all for your continued support.

Please see below a brief excerpt of the first chapter of the story

Katerina knew she was going to win before the fight even started. She always did. It was rather boring actually. It had been her life since she had been a girl of only ten years old. She didn’t often think back to that time in her life that way lay only anger and sadness. Sadness at the loss of her father and her innocence, Anger at the world and the stupid war for taking him away from her. Whenever she thought back to that part of her life she always remembered the quote “childhood is the time where nobody dies.” She could never remember where she had seen it before but it was true. Her childhood had ended with his death.

She could still remember that day on the 25th of March 2006, when the principal had interrupted her lesson to bring her to the office. Katerina knew as soon as she saw her sobbing mother and an uniformed officer what had happened. She could feel a coldness seeping into her heart. Somehow she found the strength to push the door open and confront the situation head on. She recognised the uniformed officer immediately he was one of her father’s closest friends, he was also a Marine just like her dad had been. He wasn’t anything anymore he was just dead. Her voice rang out clear as a bell. “How did it happen?” Both her mother and the officer looked at her shocked. Katerina sighed before saying, “If you’re wondering how I knew the answer is simple. You’re both here, you wouldn’t have made the long journey here and interrupted my lesson for any other reason. So just tell me how it happened.” The marine smiled at her before he spoke, “You really are your father’s daughter. So much alike.” He took a breath before continuing. “We were on mission to rescue civilians from the cross fire your dad was covering us when it turned bad, real bad. If it wasn’t for your dad we would have never made it out alive. He died a hero.”

Katerina snapped herself back to the present from the memory. She looked her opponent in the eye and smiled. The girl was good, Katerina was better and the fight was over in minutes. It didn’t matter how good her opponents were none of them could match her in the ring. She wasn’t being cocky at all it was just simple fact she was the best in the world at what she did. She knew that eventually somebody would come along and take that title away from her, but so far nobody ever had. The phrase cold as ice was often use when people referred to Katerina, and she supposed it was true to an extent. She kept people at a distance because it was just easier and much more effective than the alternative.

Can I just say how amazing this series is. In all honesty I think this is probably one of the most unique and exciting book series that I have ever had the pleasure to read. The characters and the story grab you from the very beginning and they do not let you go until the end. In all honesty it is one of the Best Angel books that I have read. Second only to Jessica Shrivington’s The Violet Eden Chapters.
I only have one negative this to say and that is that these books are far too additive and I literally could not put them down. I got zero sleep because I couldn’t stop reading the books. So thanks Emily.

I would honestly reccamend this book series to anybody who loves the supernatural genre or to anybody who loves a romance story full of twists and surprises that will grab you and not let go and.

The dark hero, Tabbruis, has wandered the Earth for 8000 years, living through many historical events.

Charmeine appeared on Earth in 1997, unable to remember anything, she was diagnosed with amnesia and put into an orphanage.

Can romance develop between a heavenly Light-Bearer and a hellish Vampire Blood-Hunter?

When Tabbruis meets Charmeine the attraction is immediate, passionate and electric. Charmeine’s powers as a Light-Bearer, one who throws lightning, is triggered the night she meets Tabbruis and grows exponentially.

As polar opposites, Tabbruis and Charmeine finally come together with their extended family to fight the evil forces on Earth in a struggle between heaven and hell.

Will Charmeine and Tabbruis fulfill their destinies? Will they realize their importance in both the Blood-Hunter and Light-Bearer world?

The Light-Bearer Series,was released January 2012, and Published by PDMI under the Victus Label.

Charmeine, Vol. I

Mactus,Vol. II

Accendo, Vol, III

Seditious,

Hey Guys I am so sorry that I haven’t posted anything in a long time. I really didn’t want to leave you guys for so long but I was having some real life problems that I needed to deal with.

My grandmother was very sick so I was spending all of my spare time at the hospital. She has had medical issues for a long time but this was the worse I had seen her in a long time. Fortunately she recovered however she was very weak so I was taking care of her and looking after her as my grandfather was unable to do it because he is getting too old to do it all on his own.

My Grandparents are probably the two most important people to me. They practically raised me as my mum was a single mother for so long and she worked two jobs just to make ends meet. My dad left when I wasn’t even 2 years old. They taught me how to read and write and they took me to every single dance lesson, every singing lesson, every sport game and every day they would take me to school and pick me up after. So seeing my grandmother in the hospital was really hard for me and I just didn’t have any time left to devote to you guys like you deserve and for that I am sorry.

But I’m back now and if you are all still interested in reading I will tell you about other more exciting news.

I have officially been accepted into Edith Cowan University for 2016. I will be studying a double degree in Business Law and International Relations and Politics. So I am very excited about that.

On top of that I have officially moved out of home and It feels good to finally have my independance.

There will be more posts coming soon so stay tuned and watch this space for more.

As many of you have heard Paris was the victim of a callous and cowardly attack this past week. You may have seen it on news or seen it in the numerous posts on Social Media. I want to start by taking a moment to pause and reflect. If you feel like praying for the people affected and their families then by all means. If you don’t then a simple minute or two to reflect and show respect to those who have tragically lost their lives and for the families who have lost somebody dear to them.

This callous attack was a declaration of war, not just on France, but on every single Democratic country in the world. However it is important to remember that It was not the religion that did this it was the work of a Terrorist Organisation who’s sole purpose is to spread Hate and Fear. But I have some news for them. They did not succeed. They thought that they could break the spirit of France and by extension the rest of the world but all they did was show the true power of the human spirit. Cities and people across the globe have rallied in support of the people of Paris. From the social media campaigns to the Facebook app allowing users to change their profile pictures to include a red white and blue filter. When you change your picture or post a message of your support you are showing your support and the power of the human spirit. You are making a statement that you can not be broken and that human kindness is far more powerful then any Terrorist Organisation. I will not use their name in this post. We all know who they are, but I will not give them the recognition of naming them.

From the small personal posts to the much larger demonstrations. The world has united in Red, White and Blue to show its support for Paris.

We will mourn those we have lost as one people, regardless of who we are or where we are. But we will remain united and strong and we will show those who think that they can break us. That we are strong and that we are not afraid of callous cowards who hide behind a religion of peace.

Also for those of you who may be wondering why America was one of the first countries to publicly show support for the people of Paris; let me bring you attention to the photo below.

Student officers display a US giant national flag on the Trocadero square with the Eiffel tower in the background during a solemn tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks on September 11, 2011 in Paris. ( AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOUR (Photo credit should read FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images)

The people and government of Paris were quick to show their support during America’s time of need and its only fitting that America returns the favor.

Lets all stand together during these dark times. Lets look after and be kind to each other.

this is just a quick update to let you know how I have been spending my break from TVD. I have launched my own online clothing store and I would really appreciate it if you all could visit the site which you can find here: http://www.sweetheartrevelution.com/ and offer any feedback or even buy a product if you see one you like. There will be more products coming in the next few weeks so stay tuned for more.

i just wanted to let you know that I have launched my own line of merchandise. At the moment I only have one Item available for sale. A custom-made small makeup bag that you can use any where. It’s perfect for any touch-ups you may need during the day. (Girls you know what I’m talking about girls.)

Also as a special introductory offer from now until the 17th of July you can use the coupon code IO2015 and recieve a 5% discount of your total order. I will also be adding new items to the store so don’t forget to save the link and check back often.